Mitsubishi Enter Two Car Assault on Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi will enter the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the third straight year, fielding two MiEV Evolution III all-electric machines in the Electric Modified Division.

The team competed in the Electric Division in 2012 and 2013, but 2014 will see an improved and evolved version of the MiEV Evolution II hit the famous Pikes Peak climb, with two-time Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka, who took Mitsubishi to second in the 2013 Electric Division, behind the wheel of the first machine. The second MiEV Evolution III will be piloted by six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion, Greg Tracy, who finished third, behind Masuoka, at the 2013 event, his first attempt at the course on four wheels.

Four electric motors combine in the MiEV Evolution III to produce a total output of 450 KW, while the pipe-frame chassis has seen some structural materials replaced and a rationalised design in order to save weight. Meanwhile downforce has been increased with a new carbon cowl design, with the spoiler and other detail shapes benefiting from wind-tunnel optimisation.

“This is the third Pikes Peak for MMC,” said team captain Masuoka. “The i-MiEV Evolution we entered in 2012 used the motors, the battery and many other components from the production i-MiEV model. It was our first Pikes Peak but our second place finish in the Electric Division proved that MMC’s electric vehicle technologies were more than capable of withstanding the rigors of the tough world of motor racing.

“This year sees our third attempt at this great race and we will be going for victory in the Electric Modified Division. I am confident that the MiEV Evolution III will demonstrate the full extent of its potential over a course such as Pikes Peak with its 156 corners. Together with Greg Tracy, my team mate from last year, we will be going flat out for victory in the Electric Modified Division.”